INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO): Indiana officials are proposing a series of changes to child care regulations that they say could lower costs for families and providers while expanding access to care across the state.

Under the proposal, education and training requirements for child care directors and caregivers would be reduced, and several staffing and facility standards would be relaxed.

Gov. Mike Braun said the changes are intended to address child care shortages and improve affordability for Indiana families.

According to the governor’s administration, the proposed revisions are designed to make it easier for providers to open and operate child care facilities while reducing regulatory burdens that can contribute to higher costs.

Supporters argue the changes could help increase the number of available child care slots and make services more affordable. Critics, however, have raised concerns that easing some requirements could affect the quality of care and oversight.

The proposed rules are expected to go through Indiana’s public review and rulemaking process before any changes take effect. State officials say the goal is to strike a balance between maintaining safety standards and expanding access to affordable child care for working families.